1. Go underground

In Russia, especially in St Petersburg, it pays to take the metro. Go below ground and you’ll encounter some of the most beautiful train stations in the world. Besides beautiful murals and artwork, you’ll also come face-to-face with arched doorways, magnificent columns and glittering chandeliers.

Some stations to check out include Avtovo, Kirovskiy Zavod and Admiralteyskaya (one of the deepest underground stations in Russia).